Kellogg’s to trial paper cereal bags in UK Tesco stores despite “plastic’s superior life cycle”
02 Dec 2021 --- Kellogg’s is set to trial recyclable paper packaging for its Corn Flakes cereal in the UK, replacing traditional plastic linings. The food manufacturing company says it would prefer to continue using plastics but is forced to explore other avenues amid a lack of recycling infrastructure.
The pilot will launch in partnership with Tesco in a small number of stores beginning in January 2022, with the results helping to shape Kellogg’s future packaging plans.
The plastic inner liner in cereal boxes is not currently widely accepted in the nation’s curbside recycling system.
Therefore, Kellogg’s packaging technologists worked to create paper-based inner packaging for its cereal. The bags are durable enough to survive the filling and sealing process before transportation to retailers.
The outer recycled card-based packaging of the company’s iconic cereals boxes is already fully recyclable.
Plastic is “preferable”
Kellogg’s says the results of the paper lining trial are “crucial” as it plans to achieve fully recyclable cereal packaging throughout its portfolio, whether with plastic liners being recyclable at curbside in countries like Ireland and Belgium, or the paper-based alternative.
However, Chris Silcock, Kellogg UK and Ireland managing director says the company would prefer to continue using plastic lining but is adapting to a lack of waste management infrastructure by introducing paper alternatives.
“We know people want to do more to help the planet, and that’s why we are working hard toward meeting our commitment of all Kellogg’s packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by the end of 2025.”
Kellogg's says plastic has a better life cycle than paper but lacks needed waste infrastructure in the UK.“Ultimately, we would prefer plastic liners to be accepted for in-home recycling as our data tells us they are better for the planet over the full life cycle of the packaging, but this trial ensures we have an alternative.”
Innova Market Insights has found consumer perception strongly favors paper-based packaging solutions, showing 35% of global consumers deem it “excellent” for recyclability, with only 16% giving the same verdict for plastic packaging.
This year, the market researcher pegged “Fiber-based Frenzy” a top trend, noting the rush of industry players turning to paper- and card-based materials as anti-plastic legislation intensifies worldwide.
Kellogg’s and Tesco
Kellogg’s partnership with Tesco on the project represents part of a wider collaboration to promote environmentally sustainable packaging. The reduction in plastic usage is something Tesco appears to celebrate unequivocally.
Tesco grocery director, David Beardmore, says: “We are committed to working with our suppliers to remove, reduce, reuse and recycle packaging, particularly plastic.”
“It’s great to see Kellogg’s is trialing a paper cereal bag in our stores – our customers will be pleased they can easily recycle the bag at home. We call on suppliers to test and roll out actions like this, using as little material as possible and making sure necessary packaging is easy to recycle.”
Kellogg’s and Tesco have been working closely on several initiatives to improve the recyclability of their packaging and previously piloted a fully recyclable Pringle’s paper can in 2020.
The UK Plastics Pact recently reported its members have cut single-use plastic packaging items by 46% and reduced the overall amount of supermarket packaging by 10% between 2018-2020.
However, WRAP, the charity managing the initiative, warns “much more action is needed” to boost levels of recyclable plastic packaging around the country.
By Louis Gore-Langton
